Council of Bishops

Bishops of The United Methodist Church provide spiritual leadership to almost 12 million persons in a broad range of settings on four continents, including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. In the United Methodist tradition, bishops are not “ordained” as bishops, but are clergy elected and consecrated to the office of bishop.

Historically, bishops play an important leadership role in ordering the life of the church and helping set the direction to fulfill its mission in the world. All bishops share in teaching, equipping, and encouraging mission and service. They serve as shepherds of the entire church, providing a prophetic witness for justice and unity. All bishops are members of the Council of Bishops, which collectively is charged with the general oversight and promotion of the temporal and spiritual interests of the entire Church. Bishops are specifically assigned to preside over the work of a regional area.

On this site you can meet your bishop and learn about the many ways United Methodists are in ministry in your community and around the world.

About The Council of Bishops

All active and retired bishops of The United Methodist Church make up the Council of Bishops.

News and Statements

Initiatives

God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action
"We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it."Learn More.

Imagine No Malaria
Join the United Methodist Church's efforts to overcome malaria.Learn More.

Ecumenical Relationships

The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships builds relationships with other Christian denominations and strengthens the United Methodist ecumenical religious witness around the world.